Census records may be the single most utilized search tool online for family tree research. From 1930 back to the founding of the country, the records of every census are available online. By using census records you may be able to trace your family tree back to when your ancestors first came to this country, whether they were immigrants who came ashore at Ellis Island, or were here to fight the British during the Revolution, the census records may well show you a piece of their lives.
Census records are available online and have truly aided the search of the genealogist, whether amateur or professional, since their introduction. Using the combined power of the internet, high speed computers, and the extensive research of the federal government, all at your fingertips can make research a breeze.
When searching census records, there are several things to remember. First, have a good idea of alternative spellings of your family name. Many family names had the spelling changed to make the names seem more American, and help the individuals blend into American society without standing out, with what seemed like foreign sounding names. Other names were changed because the immigration officials made typographical errors, or could not spell or pronounce the names involved. And many names simply had multiple spellings that were all considered correct at the time, especially since so many people didn't read or write at the time. Also, trying to decipher other people's handwriting can cause anyone problems. A person may make an r that looks like an n or any one of dozens of other mistakes from bad handwriting. With that in mind, know all of the alternative spellings.
Next, make a list of all of the family names you are looking for, and all of the information you have relevant to the ancestors you want to learn about. Keep this information in a notebook handy, or in an online data base. And be prepared to write in the notebook or add to the data base as you acquire more information. When making a list of names, remember that Smith for instance is sometimes written at Smithe, or Smythe. Johnson can be Johnston or Jonson. Madux can be Maddux or Maddox. Know the combinations and alternatives and you will aid your search.
After that, know what states your ancestors were probably living in. If your ancestor lived in New Jersey that is the census you want to check out, not New York. And know the geography. If you can't find your ancestor in New Jersey, but believe he was in the area at the time, then New York as an adjourning state is the next place to check, followed by Pennsylvania and all of the other states in the area where the ancestor could have lived.
Know something about the spouses and the spousal families. If you can't find your great, great, great grandfather, but you know whom he married, then you can check out the spouse's family and perhaps find some information there. The more information you have to start with in your research, the better for you, the more extensive the research will be, and the less time it will take.
Then have a good idea of the time period in which the ancestor lived. If your ancestor lived in New York in 1900, then that is the first census to check. Then checking the 1890 and 1910 census records will help determine when he moved there and when he left. But, there is no need to check the 1920 census or the 1880 census if the time periods don't match.
There has never been a better time in history to do genealogical research for many reasons, one of the main ones being census records availability online. Other things that help the genealogical researcher these days include the popularity of the hobby, the abundance of good software to help in the research, and the Internet itself. With the Internet it is possible to find online chat rooms, groups, message forums and other places to meet like minded people researching their own families. And as these things go, many people start their research on one branch of their own family and then tie into other branches, tying into other people's research, and helping everyone along the way.
This database details those persons enumerated in the 1800 United States Federal Census, the Third Census of the United States. In addition, the names of those listed on the population schedule are linked to the actual images of the 1800 Federal Census. Enumerators of the 1800 census were asked to include the following categories in the census: name of head of household, number of free white males and females, number of other free persons except Indians, number of slaves, town or district and county of residence.
This database details those persons enumerated in the 1810 United States Federal Census, the Third Census of the United States. In addition, the names of those listed on the population schedule are linked to the actual images of the 1810 Federal Census. Enumerators of the 1810 census were asked to include the following categories in the census: name of head of household, number of free white males and females, number of other free persons except Indians, number of slaves, town or district and county of residence.
This database details those persons enumerated in the 1820 United States Federal Census, the Fourth Census of the United States. In addition, the names of those listed on the population schedule are linked to the actual images of the 1820 Federal Census. Enumerators of the 1820 census were asked to include the following categories in the census: name of head of household, number of free white males and females, number of other free persons except Indians, number of slaves, town or district and county of residence.
This database details those persons enumerated in the 1830 United States Federal Census, the Fifth Census of the United States. In addition, the names of those listed on the population schedule are linked to the actual images of the 1830 Federal Census. Enumerators of the 1830 census were asked to include the following categories in the census: name of head of household, number of free white males and females, number of other free persons, names of slave owners and number of slaves, number of foreigners, and town or district and county of residence.
This database details those persons enumerated in the 1840 United States Federal Census, the Sixth Census of the United States. In addition, the names of those listed on the population schedule are linked to the actual images of the 1840 Federal Census. Enumerators of the 1840 census were asked to include the following categories in the census: name of head of household, number of free white males and females, number of other free persons, names of slave owners and number of slaves, number of foreigners, and town or district and county of residence.
This database is an index to individuals enumerated in the 1850 United States Federal Census, the Seventh Census of the United States. Census takers recorded many details including each person's name, age as of the census day, sex, color; birthplace, occupation of males over age fifteen, and more. No relationships were shown between members of a household. Additionally, the names of those listed on the population schedule are linked to actual images of the 1850 Federal Census
This database details those persons enumerated in the Slave Schedule of the 1850 United States Federal Census, the Seventh Census of the United States. In addition, the names of those listed on the slave schedule are linked to the actual images of the 1850 Federal Census. In most cases, individuals were not named but were simply numbered and can be distinguished only by age, sex, and color; the names of owners are recorded. However, some enumerators listed the given names of slaves, particularly those over one hundred years of age.
This database is an index to individuals enumerated in the 1860 United States Federal Census, the Eighth Census of the United States. Census takers recorded many details including each person's name, age as of the census day, sex, color; birthplace, occupation of males over age fifteen, and more. No relationships were shown between members of a household. Additionally, the names of those listed on the population schedule are linked to actual images of the 1860 Federal Census.
This database details those persons enumerated in the Slave Schedule of the 1860 United States Federal Census, the Eighth Census of the United States. In addition, the names of those listed on the slave schedule are linked to the actual images of the 1860 Federal Census. In most cases, individuals were not named but were simply numbered and can be distinguished only by age, sex, and color; the names of owners are recorded. However, some enumerators listed the given names of slaves, particularly those over one hundred years of age.
This database is an index to individuals enumerated in the 1870 United States Federal Census, the Ninth Census of the United States. Census takers recorded many details including each person's name, age at last birthday, sex, color; birthplace, occupation, and more. No relationships were shown between members of a household. Additionally, the names of those listed on the population schedule are linked to actual images of the 1870 Federal Census.
This database is an index to 50 million individuals enumerated in the 1880 United States Federal Census. Census takers recorded many details including each person's name, address, occupation, relationship to the head of household, race, sex, age at last birthday, marital status, place of birth, parents’ place of birth. Additionally, the names of those listed on the population schedule are linked to actual images of the 1880 Federal Census.
These records have been extracted from the remaining population schedules for the 1890 Federal Census of the United States, which was destroyed by a fire at the Commerce Department in Washington, DC on 10 January 1921.
This database is a collection of city directories for various cities in the New England area of the U.S. from 1885-1895. Most of the 1890 U.S. Federal Census was damaged and destroyed as a result of a fire in 1921. Because of this problem, city directories circa 1890 are highly valuable census substitute sources.
This database is an index to individuals enumerated in the 1900 United States Federal Census, the Twelfth Census of the United States. Census takers recorded many details including each person's name, address, relationship to the head of household, color or race, sex, month and year of birth, age at last birthday, marital status, number of years married, the total number of children born of the mother, the number of those children living, birthplace, birthplace of father and mother, if the individual was foreign born, the year of immigration and the number of years in the United States, the citizenship status of foreign-born individuals over age twenty-one, occupation, and more. Additionally, the names of those listed on the population schedule are linked to actual images of the 1900 Federal Census.
This database is an index to the head of households enumerated in the 1910 United States Federal Census, the Thirteenth Census of the United States. In addition, each indexed name is linked to actual images of the 1910 Federal Census. The information recorded in the census includes: name, relationship to head of family, age at last birthday, sex, color or race, whether single, married, widowed, or divorced, birthplace, birthplace of father and mother, and more.
This database is an index to individuals enumerated in the 1920 United States Federal Census, the Fourteenth Census of the United States. It includes all states and territories, as well as Military and Naval Forces, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the Panama Canal Zone. The census provides many details about individuals and families including: name, gender, age, birthplace, year of immigration, mother tongue, and parents’ birthplaces. In addition, the names of those listed on the population schedule are linked to actual images of the 1920 Federal Census.
Containing records for approximately 123 million Americans, the 1930 United States Federal Census is the largest census released to date and is the most recent census available for public access. The census gives us a glimpse into the lives of Americans in 1930, and contains information about a household’s family members and occupants including: birthplaces, occupations, immigration, citizenship, and military service. The names of those listed in the census are linked to actual images of the 1930 Census.
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What’s on Each US Federal Census From 1790-1940? Compiled by Tracey Carrington Converse Reprinted coutesy of Genealogy Records Service More information available FREE online http://www.genrecords.com
1790 Name of family head, free white males of 16 years and up; free white males, under 16; free white females; slaves. 1800 & 1810 Names of family head; if white, age and sex; race; slaves. 1820 Name of family head; age; sex; race; foreigners not naturalized; slaves; industry (agriculture, commerce, and manufactures). 1830 Name of family head; age; sex; race; slaves; deaf and dumb; blind; foreigners not naturalized. 1840 Name of family head; age; sex; race; slaves; number of deaf and dumb; number of blind; number of insane and idiotic and whether in public or private charge; number of persons in each family employed in each of six classes of industry and one of occupation; literacy; pensioners for Revolutionary or military service. 1850 Name; age; sex; race; whether deaf and dumb, blind, insane, or idiotic; value of real estate; occupation; birthplace; whether married within the year; school attendance; literacy; whether a pauper or convict. Supplemental schedules for slaves, and persons who died during the year. 1860 Name; age; sex; race; value of real estate; value of personal estate; occupation; birthplace; whether married within the year; school attendance; literacy; whether deaf and dumb; blind, insane, idiotic, pauper, or convict; number of slave houses. Supplemental schedules for slaves, and persons who died during the year. 1870 Name; age; race; occupation; value of real estate; value of personal estate; birthplaces; whether parents were foreign born; month of birth if born within the ear; month of marriage if married within the year; school attendance; literacy; whether deaf and dumb, blind, insane, or idiotic; male citizens 21 and over, and number of such persons denied the right to vote for other than rebellion. Supplemental schedules for persons who died during the year. 1880 Address; name; relationship to family head; sex; race; age; marital status; month of birth if born within the census year; occupation; months unemployed during the year; sickness or temporary disability; whether blind, deaf and dumb, idiotic, insane, maimed, crippled, bedridden, or otherwise disabled; school attendance; literacy; birthplace of person and parents. Supplemental schedules for persons who died during the year. 1890 General schedules most destroyed. Supplemental schedules for Union veterans of the Civil War and their widows. 1900 Address; name: relationship to family head; sex; race; age; marital status, number of years married; for women, number of children born and number now living; birthplace of person and parents; if foreign born. year of immigration and whether naturalized; occupation; months not employed; school attendance; literacy; ability to speak English; whether on a farm; home owned or rented and if owned, whether mortgaged. 1910 Address; name; relationship to family head; sex; race; age; marital status; number of years of present marriage; for women, number of children born and number now living; birthplace and mother tongue of person and parents; if foreign born, year of immigration, whether naturalized, and whether able to speak English, or if not, language spoken; occupation, industry, and class of worker: if an employee, whether out of work during year; literacy; school attendance; home owned or rented; if owned, whether mortgaged; whether farm or house; whether a survivor of Union or Confederate Army or Navy; whether blind, deaf and dumb. 1920 Address; name; relationship to family head; sex; race; age; marital status; ii foreign born, year of immigration to the U.S., whether naturalized, and year of naturalization; school attendance; literacy; birthplace of person and parents mother tongue of foreign born; ability to speak English; occupation, industry, and class of worker; home owned or rented; if owned, whether free or mortgaged, 1930 Address; name; relationship to family head; home owned or rented; value or monthly rental; radio set; whether on a farm; sex; race; age; marital status: age at first marriage: school attendance; literacy; birthplace of person and parents; if foreign born, language spoken in home before coming to U.S., year of immigration, whether naturalized, and ability to speak English; occupation. industry, and class of worker; whether at work previous day (or last regular working day); veteran status; for Indian; whether of full or mixed blood, and tribal affiliation. 1940* Address; home owned or rented; value or monthly rental; whether on a farm; name; relationship to household head; sex: race; age; marital status; school attendance; educational attainment; birthplace; citizenship of foreign born; location of residence a years ago and whether on a farm; employment status; if at work, whether in private or nonemergency government work, or in public emergency work (WPA, CCC, NYA, etc.); if in private or nonemergency government work, hours worked in week; if seeking work or on public emergency work, duration of unemployment; occupation. industry, and class of worker; weeks worked last year; income last year. What’s on Each US Federal Census From 1790-1940? Compiled by Tracey Carrington Converse Reprinted coutesy of Genealogy Records Service More information available FREE online http://www.genrecords.com *These census records are not currently available for viewing by the public. The US Government has mandated that the records be closed for 72 years after the census was taken. The 1940 census will be open after 2012
1790 Name of family head, free white males of 16 years and up; free white males, under 16; free white females; slaves. 1800 & 1810 Names of family head; if white, age and sex; race; slaves. 1820 Name of family head; age; sex; race; foreigners not naturalized; slaves; industry (agriculture, commerce, and manufactures). 1830 Name of family head; age; sex; race; slaves; deaf and dumb; blind; foreigners not naturalized. 1840 Name of family head; age; sex; race; slaves; number of deaf and dumb; number of blind; number of insane and idiotic and whether in public or private charge; number of persons in each family employed in each of six classes of industry and one of occupation; literacy; pensioners for Revolutionary or military service. 1850 Name; age; sex; race; whether deaf and dumb, blind, insane, or idiotic; value of real estate; occupation; birthplace; whether married within the year; school attendance; literacy; whether a pauper or convict. Supplemental schedules for slaves, and persons who died during the year. 1860 Name; age; sex; race; value of real estate; value of personal estate; occupation; birthplace; whether married within the year; school attendance; literacy; whether deaf and dumb; blind, insane, idiotic, pauper, or convict; number of slave houses. Supplemental schedules for slaves, and persons who died during the year. 1870 Name; age; race; occupation; value of real estate; value of personal estate; birthplaces; whether parents were foreign born; month of birth if born within the ear; month of marriage if married within the year; school attendance; literacy; whether deaf and dumb, blind, insane, or idiotic; male citizens 21 and over, and number of such persons denied the right to vote for other than rebellion. Supplemental schedules for persons who died during the year. 1880 Address; name; relationship to family head; sex; race; age; marital status; month of birth if born within the census year; occupation; months unemployed during the year; sickness or temporary disability; whether blind, deaf and dumb, idiotic, insane, maimed, crippled, bedridden, or otherwise disabled; school attendance; literacy; birthplace of person and parents. Supplemental schedules for persons who died during the year. 1890 General schedules most destroyed. Supplemental schedules for Union veterans of the Civil War and their widows. 1900 Address; name: relationship to family head; sex; race; age; marital status, number of years married; for women, number of children born and number now living; birthplace of person and parents; if foreign born. year of immigration and whether naturalized; occupation; months not employed; school attendance; literacy; ability to speak English; whether on a farm; home owned or rented and if owned, whether mortgaged. 1910 Address; name; relationship to family head; sex; race; age; marital status; number of years of present marriage; for women, number of children born and number now living; birthplace and mother tongue of person and parents; if foreign born, year of immigration, whether naturalized, and whether able to speak English, or if not, language spoken; occupation, industry, and class of worker: if an employee, whether out of work during year; literacy; school attendance; home owned or rented; if owned, whether mortgaged; whether farm or house; whether a survivor of Union or Confederate Army or Navy; whether blind, deaf and dumb. 1920 Address; name; relationship to family head; sex; race; age; marital status; ii foreign born, year of immigration to the U.S., whether naturalized, and year of naturalization; school attendance; literacy; birthplace of person and parents mother tongue of foreign born; ability to speak English; occupation, industry, and class of worker; home owned or rented; if owned, whether free or mortgaged, 1930* Address; name; relationship to family head; home owned or rented; value or monthly rental; radio set; whether on a farm; sex; race; age; marital status: age at first marriage: school attendance; literacy; birthplace of person and parents; if foreign born, language spoken in home before coming to U.S., year of immigration, whether naturalized, and ability to speak English; occupation. industry, and class of worker; whether at work previous day (or last regular working day); veteran status; for Indian; whether of full or mixed blood, and tribal affiliation. 1940* Address; home owned or rented; value or monthly rental; whether on a farm; name; relationship to household head; sex: race; age; marital status; school attendance; educational attainment; birthplace; citizenship of foreign born; location of residence a years ago and whether on a farm; employment status; if at work, whether in private or nonemergency government work, or in public emergency work (WPA, CCC, NYA, etc.); if in private or nonemergency government work, hours worked in week; if seeking work or on public emergency work, duration of unemployment; occupation. industry, and class of worker; weeks worked last year; income last year. What’s on Each US Federal Census From 1790-1940? Compiled by Tracey Carrington Converse Reprinted coutesy of Genealogy Records Service More information available FREE online http://www.genrecords.com *These census records are not currently available for viewing by the public. The US Government has mandated that the records be closed for 72 years after the census was taken. The 1930 census will be open after 2002
Census records may be the single most utilized search tool online for family tree research. From 1930 back to the founding of the country, the records of every census are available online. By using census records you may be able to trace your family tree back to when your ancestors first came to America. Whether they were immigrants who came ashore at Ellis Island, or were here to fight the British during the Revolution, the census records may well show you a piece of their lives.
Census records are available online and have truly aided the search of the genealogist, whether amateur or professional, since their introduction. Using the combined power of the internet, high speed computers, and the extensive research of the federal government, all at your fingertips can make research a breeze.
When searching census records, there are several things to remember. First, have a good idea of alternative spellings of your family name. Many family names had the spelling changed to make the names seem more American, and help the individuals blend into American society without standing out, with what seemed like foreign sounding names. Other names were changed because the immigration officials made typographical errors, or could not spell or pronounce the names involved. And many names simply had multiple spellings that were all considered correct at the time, especially since so many people didn't read or write at the time. Also, trying to decipher other people's handwriting can cause anyone problems. A person may make an r that looks like an n or any one of dozens of other mistakes from bad handwriting. With that in mind, know all of the alternative spellings.
Next, make a list of all of the family names you are looking for, and all of the information you have relevant to the ancestors you want to learn about. Keep this information in a notebook handy, or in an online data base. And be prepared to write in the notebook or add to the data base as you acquire more information. When making a list of names, remember that Smith for instance is sometimes written at Smithe, or Smythe. Johnson can be Johnston or Jonson. Madux can be Maddux or Maddox. Know the combinations and alternatives and you will aid your search.
After that, know what states your ancestors were probably living in. If your ancestor lived in New Jersey that is the census you want to check out, not New York. And know the geography. If you can't find your ancestor in New Jersey, but believe he was in the area at the time, then New York as an adjourning state is the next place to check, followed by Pennsylvania and all of the other states in the area where the ancestor could have lived.
Know something about the spouses and the spousal families. If you can't find your great, great, great grandfather, but you know whom he married, then you can check out the spouse's family and perhaps find some information there. The more information you have to start with in your research, the better for you, the more extensive the research will be, and the less time it will take.
Then have a good idea of the time period in which the ancestor lived. If your ancestor lived in New York in 1900, then that is the first census to check. Then checking the 1890 and 1910 census records will help determine when he moved there and when he left. But, there is no need to check the 1920 census or the 1880 census if the time periods don't match.
There has never been a better time in history to do genealogical research for many reasons, one of the main ones being census records availability online. Other things that help the genealogical researcher these days include the popularity of the hobby, the abundance of good software to help in the research, and the Internet itself. With the Internet it is possible to find online chat rooms, groups, message forums and other places to meet like minded people researching their own families. And as these things go, many people start their research on one branch of their own family and then tie into other branches, tying into other people;s research, and helping everyone along the way.
Paul Duxbury offers a range of genealogy articles that you can use on your own Genealogy Website at http://www.genealogy-articles.com
